Well, with the encouragement of my home decorating/design girlfriend…her house looks like Pottery Barn all the time. We once went to look at model homes and there was a cutting board with cheese, some vegetables, etc….and I said, “who’s kitchen looks like this?” and then looked at her and said, “oh yea, yours”. Another more recent example of how perfect her house looks and her decorating drive…she came over and I wanted to decorate my mantle. She asked, “where’s your greenery, your garland?” and I said, “Um, I don’t have any. You need to tell me what to buy.” She asked, “Do you have any trees?” and proceeded to go out back and trim up some greenery from a pine tree in our backyard. She picked up the twigs that I asked the kids to throw over the fence and brought them in and did up my mantle. Fabulous.

So, enough rambling, I was pumped to get this house looking cozy and finally feeling like home…I know, I know, what do you want…I was busy having 5 kids. Now I’m ready to give time to our home.

I’ll just post some before and after pics. I really love it. The pictures don’t do it justice. But I love it….I actually love my home. And for once, I’m not staring at walls and wanting to take a sledge hammer to them…I’m content. Happy.

Project #1: The Mantle

Before: Boring, blah, …

After: A little detail goes a long way…we trimmed out above the mantle to add height and character…I’m gonna shop for more decor for the mantle but it’s gonna be fabulous. I can’t just buy nonsense knick knacks so I’m anxiously waiting for the Kane County Flea Market to open the first weekend of March. I’ll keep you posted…

Project #2: The dreaded L-shaped island/breakfast counter/ugh….

Before: again, just drab…no fun, hate it, wanted to bust it out and get new counter tops and paint the cabinets…(so sad, this is a pic that I took when we bought the house…apparently, I hated it so much I never photographed the kitchen).

this pic is an “Oh wait! I forgot to take a “before” pic”…so one side of the wainscoting is already up…I wish I had a shot of the ugly corbels (learned that word from decorating friend Jen)…they were metal, just ugly…

After: brighter, cleaner, more character…makes me want to actually USE the breakfast counter…

Oh, and BTW…we had mismatched appliances and getting a new fridge and stove to match and make it all stainless made a HUGE difference. I no longer feel the need to paint our cabinets and for the first time can say I actually like our kitchen.

Project #3: bare windows

Before: we have a sliding doors and a wall of floor to ceiling windows that were trimmed in white. I love trim. I love woodwork. I feel like it adds character. I thought it was fine on it’s own. (sorry for the dark pictures).

After: Made drapes for both the sliding door and the wall of windows and it feels much more finished, cozy and homey. I love it! (The laundry has always been there and has no affect on the design what-so-ever…except, that maybe, I should put it away…)

I still have some bare walls but these 3 little projects really changed the feel of the home and I’m happy with the hard work the hubby and I put in this long weekend.

You can follow me on Pinterest and also follow my friend, Jen’s design blog…www.harrisonhomeblog.blogspot.com

Some colorfully crocheted coasters…

and a rag rug that I crocheted out of scrap fabrics…(that my son seems to think is better used as a play mat for his action figures)

Oh…and here’s a pic of the popcorn blanket that I crocheted…

to go with the newly covered sofa cushions….

Hope you like!

Brooks Holiday Show @ Brooks Elementary School, Aurora, IL

9-2pm

Sunday, Dec 4

Elmwood Holiday Show @ Elmwood Elementary School, Naperville, IL

9-3pm

Also…a little treat for you…offer good until the end of the year! Enjoy!

We’re now in M & Em’s in Glen Ellyn, IL and will be coming soon to Ana Bananas in Naperville!

What else is new…working on some new styles for fall. I know…it’s a bit early to mention fall, considering summer has yet to show her beautiful face. Today was my #3’s last day of pre-school and she had to wear a coat!! Insane! Anyway, I’ve got some ideas up my sleeve and just need to find some time to sew everything out.

This summer, we’ll be showcasing HB designs at the 3 French Hens Market in Morris, IL. Stop by if you’re in the area! I’ll keep you posted on dates and times!!

Hmmm…yup, this was totally random. I’ll get the hang of it…someday! For now…visit me on facebook and become a fan!!

Contest ends at 11:59pm, Sunday, November 28th, 2010. Winner will be notified on our facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/hazelbrowndesigns

]]> http://hazelbrowndesigns.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=132 57 http://hazelbrowndesigns.com/blog/?p=125 http://hazelbrowndesigns.com/blog/?p=125#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:33:21 +0000 hazelbrown http://hazelbrowndesigns.com/blog/?p=125 Here are some of the things I dropped off at Monogram Madness last week.

Ruffle Wristlet…

Ladies’ Skirt…

Grey Velour Ruffle Pants

Livi Leggies…

If you’re local, you can stop into Monogram Madness to check out these items and more — 190 E 5th Ave, Naperville, IL. Otherwise, check out all our goodies at www.hazelbrowndesigns.com

I’ve already got lots booked for this Fall. Some private trunk shows and a Ladies’ Night out event in September, more trunk shows in October and two craft fairs in November.

You can book your own private trunk show by sending an email to cs@hazelbrowndesigns.com

Anyway, part of the reason I’ve been holding out is that I’m working with Puddle Jumpers Photography for the fall line. I’m soooo excited! Her work is FABULOUS! You should check out her work. But we’ll be shooting next week and I wanted to get stuff online a bit earlier so you’ll have to deal with my amateur shots for a short while ; )

I’ve also got some women items ready to unleash…I really wish I had some pics to go with this post…you’ll love them…partly because you’ve been asking for them, and also because I know how cute they are!!

Okay then…off to take some pics!